Samoa's Talofa Airways expected to launch by April

A new airline based in Samoa's capital, Talofa Airways, is expected to begin operating by April.

Our correspondent in Apia, Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia, said the airline was expected to fly domestically, and to American Samoa, Tonga and Niue.

He said it had been reported a company representative was in the United States to negotiate the use of two small aircraft.

Autagavaia said a new airline would be very beneficial for the country's tourism industry.

"Having another airline to operate from here, not only between the two Samoas but other Pacific islands will be of benefit to travellers. The more airlines we have the good competition, and the more benefits for the travellers - they will compete and put their fares as low as they can."

Our correspondent in American Samoa, Fili Sagapolutele, said the new airline had approached officials in Pago Pago for office space at the international airport there.